Google is bringing this security feature to more phones with Android 16

Early this year, Google launched an Identity Check feature for Android smartphone owners. The security feature typically protects a user’s data and Google account from malicious elements, especially when the device is compromised. While the feature was initially only supported to be present on select Samsung and most Google Pixel devices, it seems as though the brand is thinking of extending it to other smartphones with Android 16 around the corner. Curious to know more about it and how it works? Read on below.

Android Identity Check feature: What is it and what does it do?

As mentioned above, Identity Check is a security feature that is designed to protect your data. It comes in handy when your phone is wrong hands, or worse, stolen. Once this feature is toggled on, the Android phone in question will automatically demand biometric authentication before switching up critical settings on the device.

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The feature is said to be loosely based on Apple’s Stolen Device Protection feature which rolled in with the iOS 17.3 update. The iOS security feature, which was introduced last year, enhances security by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) for a range of sensitive actions, especially when the iPhone is away from familiar locations.

Additionally, it also offers an optional one-hour security delay for certain critical actions when the iPhone is away from familiar locations.

Which devices are eligible for the Identity Check feature?

The feature was first spotted by Android Authority on the OnePlus 13, which was running the Android 16 beta release. The security features appeared identical to the ones introduced by Google during its Pixel Drop event in December 2024.

The post further noted how the code from Android 15 QPR1 and QPR1 will be available in Android 16 when it rolls out soon — meaning other smartphones, too, should be able to benefit from the Identity Check feature once they update their devices.

Apart from this, other devices shipping with Android 16 should also come with a built-in Identity Check feature. The publication went on to mention that the devices will only be able to support the feature if they are equipped with a Class 3 biometric authentication.

To enable it on your device, all you have to do is navigate to Settings > Google > Theft Protection > Use Identity Check. Once switched on, the handset will then require biometrics when you’re performing sensitive (such as accessing passkeys, Find My Device or PINs) actions or when it seems to be away from ‘trusted’ zones.

Lastly, you can always disable the Identity Check feature but will require biometric authentication to do so. To know more about upcoming features and releases, make sure you stay updated with Unboxed by Croma.